San Jose State University
Hallmarks and Quirks
Things I'm Good At:
- Scientific research. NASA just awarded me a huge chunk of money (upwards of $70 million) to collaborate with their research center on some projects. In addition, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML), located near Monterey, works with my marine science students toward earning their Master's degrees.
- Entertainment. At the SJSU Event Center, you can see musical geniuses like Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, and One Direction perform in concert. Tickets are usually cheaper for students than the general public. Go ahead and get your fangirl on.
- Getting a job after graduation. Did I mention I'm in Silicon Valley? That means there are tons of huge companies that are always looking for interns and new hires. Guess where they look for them? Right here, baby.
- Club sports. Students and staff can play on a variety of competitive teams from lacrosse and soccer to salsa dancing and quidditch. Yes, quidditch. Really.
- Events and exhibits. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is home to exhibits like the esteemed Steinbeck Research Center and the Beethoven Center. Each of these are basically mini-museums that display some pretty interesting memorabilia. I also host tons of art fairs and cultural events throughout the year.
My Top 5 Must-Haves:
- Bay Area sports pride. The homes of the San Jose Sharks, the San Francisco 49ers, and the San Francisco Giants (World Series champs) are just a bus or train ride away.
- A public transportation pass. A lot of my students commute from home by light rail. You can also use it to take the bus around town to all of the great restaurants nearby. Don't worry, it's included in your tuition.
- Clothes for warm weather. It's true what they say—California has no seasons. We tend to freak out if it rains. Stock up on tank tops and bathing suits, and get ready to brag to your East Coast friends when you're at the beach in November.
- A bike. Or longboard. Or scooter. Or rollerblades. Something to help you get from one end of campus to the other before your next class.
- A conversation starter. I'm a pretty big school, so there's no reason to be lonely. Go ahead and talk to strangers. There are friendly people all over campus.
Why You Might Have Heard of Me:
- If you work in the Bay Area, chances are one of your co-workers went to me. I supply the biggest number of business and engineering grads to Silicon Valley.
- The late and great Bill Walsh, one of my most accomplished and beloved alumni, coached Stanford for several seasons and led the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories.
- Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, went here. You're welcome, Earth.
- The Disney movie Flubber, starring comedy legend Robin Williams, was filmed right here in Washington Square Hall. You're likely to have a class in WSQ where Williams performed. Just try not to get too choked up with nostalgia before your big midterm.
On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...
During the fall semester, you can find me at a football game. Even if you're not crazy about football, the tailgates are worth it. Everyone's really friendly (thanks to all the beer), and SJSU provides free shuttles to and from the stadium (also thanks to the beer).
When there isn't a game, I love to scope out all the cool spots downtown has to offer, from the bars and restaurants in San Pedro Square to entertainment venues like The San Jose Improv. There's also some nightclubs around, if you're into that. Hockey fans can be found walking to the SAP Center to catch a Sharks game.
Favorite Hangouts:
- Philz Coffee is hands-down the best place to refuel between classes. The cozy, poetry-slam atmosphere and unique selection of delicious drinks make an unbeatable combo.
- La Victoria Taqueria, or La Vic, is always packed, whether it's 3:00PM or 3:00AM. Just ask the locals about the famous orange sauce, and their eyes will glaze over with fond memories of their last sauce-doused burrito.
- When it's time for homework, head to the King Library. Pulling an all-nighter hurts a little less if you can grab a window seat on the top floor overlooking the city. This place is massive, modern, and open to the public.
- The Student Union is newly renovated and has tons of places to eat, hang, and study. If your study sesh must involve food (and it must), do it at the U.
- 4th Street Pizza. If a game's on, you go here to watch it.
Quirks:
- I have a lot of international students from all over the world. Hang with these guys and get some cultural learning that classes can't teach you.
- I seem to be constantly under construction. Campus looks like a patchwork quilt; some buildings are older than your grandparents, and others are brand spankin' new. Be prepared to completely reroute your usual path to class when half of campus is suddenly blocked off for renovation.
- Don't be afraid to take a general ed class during summer or winter sessions. I know, I know. Doing homework isn't how you want to spend break. The classes are only a few weeks long, lots are offered online, and they're a quick and easy way to get ahead of schedule.
Famous Alumni:
- Stevie Nicks, member of Fleetwood Mac
- Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club
- Bill Walsh, football coach extraordinaire
- John Carlos and Tommie Smith, Olympic athletes and human rights activists
- Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel Corporation
- Kurtwood Smith, better known as Red on That 70's Show